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Day 4, Timaru - Waimate; March 11, 2004
Friday, 07 July 2006

Huge storm during the night. It sounded even worse and scary inside the tent which was jerked in every possible direction. The morning looked much nicer and clear but that day later proved to be one of the most difficult.

On the way out of town I drop by bike shop where I wanted to true my back wheel. The tyre was not properly set on the rim. I also wanted the guy to check inside of the rim so maybe I could understand why I encounter so many flats where all problems are on the inside of the tube.

The terrain around Timaru and especially after is becoming hilly, constant ups and downs but not very difficult. Problem was the strengthening wind - a HEAD wind. There were even moments when despite going down I had to pedal in order to move. Also the wind had the tendency to blast suddenly from either sides and few times I almost fell off the bike. This could be dangerous when a track passes you.

I am moving very slowly.

After 18 km I stop in local shop to have a coffee and something to bite. Few km later I catch another flat. I was so pissed off. All attempts to true the wheel at the bike shop became useless and paid NZ$ 12 are also gone for nothing!

In Hakakita (34 km) I have enough. It looked nice but the wind was horrible and I felt cold and had enough of everything. Fight with the wind and ride with 10 km/h drove me crazy.

I stopped by local hotel, but was still closed. For a while was trying to stop a car/van so I could get a lift but did not manage.

Having spoken to locals I decided to continue to Waimate - another 16km. Original plan - Oamaru was impossible today. At least with my state of mind at that moment.

Somehow I manage to reach Waimate!!! I had to stop number of times - I was tired, and the tube I put earlier on was loosing air, so every few kilometres I had pump it up. Among other things Waimate is famous for the fact that they have colony of wallabies over there. Wallabies are sort of small kangaroos, and were brought to New Zealand from Australia. This is the only place in NZ where you can watch them.

Waimate - 150 years old town like from the movie. Main street, some shops, park etc. and basically that's it. But must say had an atmosphere.

With the light of my ilumi sticks I am preparing food in the evening.

I saw a guy in the hotel (pub) who was something like 3 times bigger than me and had dinner. Oh man, the guy could eat. He had huge stake, eggs, chips, beans and a massive plate. In the meanwhile I was enjoying local beer :-)

Distance - 51 km; Average speed - 11,78 km/h

 







 

 

 
Last Updated ( Sunday, 29 July 2007 )
 
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